Best Action games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated action games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free action games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
MouseCraft
Ever wondered what a cross between Tetris and Lemmings would look like? Well, wonder no more, 'cause... MouseCraft is here! MouseCraft is an A to B puzzle game where players help Schrödinger, the crazy cat scientist, in completing his mysterious, mice-powered invention.
Claire
Claire is alone, lost, and hunted. The world has quickly becomes shrouded in darkness with unseen threats stalking Claire from the shadows. Aided by her dog and armed only with a flashlight, Claire must conquer her fear and find her comatose mother. However, there are others lost in the darkness seeking salvation.
Z
“Z”, the classic Real Time Strategy Game by the Bitmap Brothers. Fans of this classic strategy title are in for a real treat. Everything is in here from the terrific comedy cut scenes to the frantic game play making this is the definitive version of Z.
Real Boxing™
Real Boxing™ brings you the most exhilarating, no holds barred boxing experience ever seen on Steam. Featuring ultra-realistic motion capture from real boxers, with amazing graphics built using the powerful Unreal Engine, you’ll be sure to feel every hook, jab, and uppercut.
Momodora III
Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!
Sniper Elite 3
Sniper Elite 3 is a tactical third-person shooter that combines stealth, gameplay choice and genre-defining ballistics with huge, open levels and the exotic terrain of World War 2 North Africa.
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
Valiant Hearts: The Great War™ / Soldats Inconnus : Mémoires de la Grande Guerre™
Valiant Hearts : The Great War is the story of 4 crossed destinies and a broken love in a world torn apart. Dive into a 2D animated comic book adventure, mixing exploration, action and puzzles. Lost in the middle of the trenches, play as each of the 4 strangers, relive the War and help a young German soldier find his love.
COH 2 - The Western Front Armies: US Forces
This individual army for COH2 allows you to access all existing COH2 maps in auto-match, and play against all other existing factions in multiplayer. It can also be obtained at a discount by acquiring The Western Front Armies multiplayer standalone, where it is bundled with the OKW army.
A Wizard's Lizard
Conquer the forces of Death in A Wizard’s Lizard, an action RPG for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Explore ever-changing dungeons, filled with powerful weapons and items. Battle back the hordes of evil. Rescue villagers to improve your town and increase your power for your next trek into the dungeon.
Knightmare Tower
Break through ceilings, rescue princesses and escape boiling lava as you slash your way to the top of the Knightmare Tower!
Fancy Skulls
Fancy Skulls is a challenging first person shooter with procedural generation, permadeath and distinct art style. Intense and tactical combat, unique weapon mods and items that change the way you play.
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing II
In the second part of the unfolding saga that could also be enjoyed independently, you can explore new corners of this unique world and experience the mix of old-school gothic and mad science, with more action, powerful foes and plenty of stunning places to visit.
Space Run
Space Run is a «real-time spaceship construction strategy game». Space Run takes the well-known Tower Defense-style gameplay and twists it, challenging you to manage and protect a spaceship and its cargo against the hazards of deep space!
Battle Group 2
Your battleships are fully loaded with the return of Battle Group. Command the war against advanced pirates with brand new Satellite Strikes and upgrades for your state-of-the-art battleships. As the commanding gunner of this advanced armada, it's imperative you stop a terrifying new foe our world has yet to fathom.
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition
Rise of Nations is back! Play the updated classic with full Steamworks integration and enhanced features!
Crimsonland
Thousands of aliens, giant spiders, mutant lizards, and more are on the attack - can you survive the onslaught? Crimsonland is a top-down shooter with a touch of RPG. Unlock over 30 weapons and over 50 perks from quirky to brutal. Complete the quest and show your skills in five survival modes.
Enemy Front
ENEMY FRONT is the first truly modern WW2 FPS, featuring stunning visuals, open-ended levels and a richly interactive combat experience that breaks out of the standard model of highly linear scripted FPS experiences, giving the player full freedom to own their playing style.
Haunt the House: Terrortown
Haunt your way through town in the dead of night! Possess objects to scare people away from a museum, a hospital, a theatre and a cruise ship. Will you be able to scare everyone out and reclaim what has been lost, before the night is over? A side-scrolling action puzzle game starring ghosts!
Lifeless Planet Premier Edition
PREMIER EDITION - While seeking life on a distant planet, an astronaut discovers an abandoned Russian town. He suspects his mission is a hoax until a mysterious young woman saves him from a strange and deadly phenomenon...
Freespace 2
FreeSpace 2, the follow up to the classic Descent: FreeSpace – The Great War is ready to engage you in the second round. Follow the Grand Terran Vasudan Alliance further into the mysteries of the Shivans. Get your flight stick and hit the flight deck. The last time was just a warm up.
Pixel Puzzles: UndeadZ
Pixel Puzzles: UndeadZ is a traditional style jigsaw puzzle game with top down shooter gameplay throw in to ruin your day and peaceful puzzling experience.
Enemy Mind
A retro shooter with a new power: the power to become any ship.Lost in the depths of space, you are a being of pure psychic energy with the uncanny power to take over and control anything you see in order to survive.Built for PC, Enemy Mind lets you battle your way through 70+ waves of challenging enemies.Most played action games on Steam
Take a look at the top action games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 21st 2025.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,719,806 reviews of which 7,567,093 were positive and 1,152,713 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played action game, thanks to its 788,025 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.7
7,567,093
1,152,713
788,025
players
2. Crosshair X
Overlay custom crosshairs on every game you play. Choose from thousands of unique crosshairs created by the Crosshair X community or design your own using the designer. Crosshair X is a action, indie and adventure game developed and published by CenterPoint Gaming. Released on August 17th 2020 has received 29,953 reviews of which 27,964 were positive and 1,989 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 49,071 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among action games based on player count.
9.1
27,964
1,989
49,071
players
3. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 621,274 reviews of which 541,215 were positive and 80,059 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. While seeing 43,988 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among action games based on player count.
8.6
541,215
80,059
43,988
players
4. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced
Experience entertainment blockbusters Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online — now upgraded for a new generation with stunning visuals, faster loading, 3D audio, and more, plus exclusive content for GTA Online players. Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced is a action, open world and multiplayer game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Released on March 04th 2025 has received 40,938 reviews of which 26,015 were positive and 14,923 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. With 32,223 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played action games.
6.3
26,015
14,923
32,223
players
5. HELLDIVERS™ 2
The Galaxy’s Last Line of Offence. Enlist in the Helldivers and join the fight for freedom across a hostile galaxy in a fast, frantic, and ferocious third-person shooter. HELLDIVERS™ 2 is a online co-op, pve and third-person shooter game developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by PlayStation Publishing LLC. Released on February 08th 2024 has received 988,383 reviews of which 753,774 were positive and 234,609 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. With 31,019 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played action games.
7.6
753,774
234,609
31,019
players
6. PAYDAY 2
PAYDAY 2 is an action-packed, four-player co-op shooter that once again lets gamers don the masks of the original PAYDAY crew - Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf and Chains - as they descend on Washington DC for an epic crime spree. PAYDAY 2 is a co-op, action and fps game developed by OVERKILL - a Starbreeze Studio. and published by Starbreeze Publishing AB. Released on August 13th 2013 has received 662,674 reviews of which 593,923 were positive and 68,751 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 16,891 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played action games.
8.9
593,923
68,751
16,891
players
7. Arma Reforger
Experience authentic Cold War combat and join the struggle for the sprawling, mid-Atlantic island of Everon and its smaller, offshore territory, Arland – or take on the role of Game Master and create your very own scenarios for others to enjoy. Arma Reforger is a military, simulation and action game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on November 16th 2023 has received 27,305 reviews of which 20,433 were positive and 6,872 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 15,900 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played action games.
7.4
20,433
6,872
15,900
players
8. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine. Unleash deadly abilities and devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid swarms. Defend the Imperium in spectacular third-person action in solo or multiplayer modes. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a warhammer 40k, action and third-person shooter game developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on September 09th 2024 has received 157,413 reviews of which 130,499 were positive and 26,914 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 13,765 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played action games.
8.2
130,499
26,914
13,765
players
9. Arma 3
Experience true combat gameplay in a massive military sandbox. Deploying a wide variety of single- and multiplayer content, over 20 vehicles and 40 weapons, and limitless opportunities for content creation, this is the PC’s premier military game. Authentic, diverse, open - Arma 3 sends you to war. Arma 3 is a military, action and multiplayer game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive. Released on September 12th 2013 has received 281,762 reviews of which 254,785 were positive and 26,977 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 9,876 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played action games.
9.0
254,785
26,977
9,876
players
10. Lords of the Fallen
A vast world awaits in the medieval, dark fantasy action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen. As a fabled Dark Crusader, embark on an epic quest to overthrow Adyr, the demon God. The definitive Version 2.0 out now: features Shared Progression Co-op & Free Friend’s Pass. Lords of the Fallen is a exploration, souls-like and combat game developed and published by CI Games. Released on October 13th 2023 has received 35,685 reviews of which 23,119 were positive and 12,566 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. With 9,633 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played action games.
6.4
23,119
12,566
9,633
players
Best deals on action games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of action games available on Steam right now, updated on April 21st 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted action games.
1. DEPLOYMENT
Deployment is an intense competitive top-down shooter game. Infosoldiers, made of pure information, fight in an endless war between governments and megacorporations to rule over the digital systems that control the world. Deploy your troops from up to five different classes! DEPLOYMENT is a action, racing and multiplayer game developed and published by Whale Rock Games. Released on April 10th 2018 has received 789 reviews of which 636 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for action category.
7.7
636
153
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. The Ascent
The Ascent is a solo and co-op Action-shooter RPG set in a cyberpunk world. The mega corporation that owns you and everyone, The Ascent Group, has just collapsed. Can you survive without it? The Ascent is a top-down shooter, cyberpunk and rpg game developed by Neon Giant and published by Curve Games. Released on July 29th 2021 has received 22,698 reviews of which 16,817 were positive and 5,881 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in action games.
7.3
16,817
5,881
-97%
34.00€
1.02€
3. We Are The Dwarves
We Are The Dwarves is a real-time tactical adventure where you take control of three Dwarven astronauts and lead them through the hordes of enemies in the depths of their Universe. We Are The Dwarves is a indie, adventure and action game developed and published by Whale Rock Games. Released on February 25th 2016 has received 1,316 reviews of which 891 were positive and 425 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 97% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in action games.
6.6
891
425
-97%
43.00€
1.29€
4. In Sound Mind
In Sound Mind is an imaginative first-person psychological horror with frenetic puzzles, unique boss fights, and original music by The Living Tombstone. Journey within the inner workings of the one place you can’t seem to escape—your own mind. In Sound Mind is a horror, psychological horror and story rich game developed by We Create Stuff and published by Maximum Entertainment. Released on September 28th 2021 has received 5,676 reviews of which 5,405 were positive and 271 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for action games.
9.2
5,405
271
-96%
32.25€
1.29€
5. Figment 2: Creed Valley
Figment 2: Creed Valley is an action-adventure game set in the human mind. Face bosses in musical showdowns, make your way through puzzles, and explore unique environments. Figment 2: Creed Valley is a soundtrack, exploration and puzzle game developed by Bedtime Digital Games and published by Bedtime Digital Games and 4Divinity. Released on March 09th 2023 has received 1,124 reviews of which 1,057 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for action games.
8.9
1,057
67
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
6. Upside Down
Upside Down will immerse you in an incredible adventure. Sharpen your reflexes for this fast-paced, precise puzzle-platformer. Upside Down is a indie, casual and action game developed by EGAMER and published by SA Industry. Released on February 14th 2017 has received 692 reviews of which 570 were positive and 122 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for action games.
7.8
570
122
-96%
31.00€
1.24€
7. Miasma Chronicles
From the creators of Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden comes a beautifully crafted tactical adventure you won’t forget. Embark on a quest across a post-apocalyptic wasteland torn apart by a savage force known only as the ‘Miasma’. Miasma Chronicles is a tactical rpg, turn-based strategy and tactical game developed by The Bearded Ladies and published by 505 Games Official. Released on May 23rd 2023 has received 2,241 reviews of which 1,782 were positive and 459 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for action games.
7.7
1,782
459
-96%
33.50€
1.34€
8. Gungrave G.O.R.E
Gungrave G.O.R.E is a stylish third-person action shooter by South-Korean Studio IGGYMOB in which you take on the role of Grave, a gunslinger of resurrection and badass anti-hero of your dreams, mowing down tons of enemies in a gory ballet of bullets. Gungrave G.O.R.E is a action, action-adventure and 3d game developed by IGGYMOB Co. and Ltd and published by Prime Matter. Released on November 22nd 2022 has received 783 reviews of which 551 were positive and 232 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for action games.
6.8
551
232
-96%
56.00€
2.24€
9. Trine 2: Complete Story
Three Heroes make their way through dangers untold in a fairytale world, featuring physics-based puzzles, beautiful sights and online co-op. Trine 2: Complete Story is a puzzle-platformer, platformer and adventure game developed and published by Frozenbyte. Released on June 06th 2013 has received 21,624 reviews of which 20,629 were positive and 995 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for action games.
9.3
20,629
995
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
10. Prodeus
Prodeus is a first-person shooter of old, re-imagined using modern rendering techniques and technology. Experience the quality you’d expect from a modern AAA game, designed with retro aesthetics and gameplay that invoke the tech-imposed limits of older hardware. Prodeus is a boomer shooter, fps and retro game developed by Bounding Box Software Inc. and published by Humble Games. Released on September 23rd 2022 has received 7,455 reviews of which 6,930 were positive and 525 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for action games.
9
6,930
525
-95%
25.00€
1.25€
Free action games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play action games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 21st 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play action games.
1. Counter-Strike 2
For over two decades, Counter-Strike has offered an elite competitive experience, one shaped by millions of players from across the globe. And now the next chapter in the CS story is about to begin. This is Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is a fps, shooter and multiplayer game developed and published by Valve. Released on August 21st 2012 has received 8,719,806 reviews of which 7,567,093 were positive and 1,152,713 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 788,025 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,567,093
1,152,713
788,025
players
2. Warframe
Awaken as an unstoppable warrior and battle alongside your friends in this story-driven free-to-play online action game Warframe is a free to play, action rpg and looter shooter game developed and published by Digital Extremes. Released on March 25th 2013 has received 621,274 reviews of which 541,215 were positive and 80,059 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 43,988, this action game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
8.6
541,215
80,059
43,988
players
3. FragPunk
FragPunk is a thrilling 5v5 hero shooter where Shard Cards allow you to break the rules of combat and ensure that no two rounds are ever the same. Get ready to unleash your skills! FragPunk is a fps, free to play and hero shooter game developed and published by Bad Guitar Studio. Released on March 06th 2025 has received 34,755 reviews of which 25,500 were positive and 9,255 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 8,138, this action game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free action games on Steam.
7.2
25,500
9,255
8,138
players
4. Torchlight: Infinite
The fate of Ember Technology is in your hands. With abounding hero build possibilities, dive into an epic journey with endless loot, adrenaline-pumping fights & new seasonal contents. Torchlight: Infinite is a rpg, hack and slash and loot game developed and published by XD. Released on May 09th 2023 has received 14,806 reviews of which 10,413 were positive and 4,393 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.9 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 5,989 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.9
10,413
4,393
5,989
players
5. Blood Strike
Gather your friends and dive into the action-packed Battle Royale, Squad Fight, or Hot Zone like there's no tomorrow! Blood Strike offers a wide range of playable Strikers, each with a unique active and passive ability letting you deploy drones, shield walls and everything in between. Blood Strike is a action, free to play and shooter game developed and published by NetEase Games. Released on March 13th 2025 has received 6,638 reviews of which 5,327 were positive and 1,311 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 5,018 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
5,327
1,311
5,018
players
6. World of Warships
Immerse yourself in thrilling naval battles and assemble an armada of over 600 ships from the first half of the 20th century — from stealthy destroyers to gigantic battleships. Change the look of your ship, choose upgrades to suit your play style, and go into battle with other players! World of Warships is a free to play, naval combat and co-op game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 15th 2017 has received 145,891 reviews of which 112,550 were positive and 33,341 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,453 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #6 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.6
112,550
33,341
4,453
players
7. GrandChase
Grand Chase is a free side-scrolling online action RPG with anime inspired graphics. Enjoy exciting adventures in dungeons and PvP with unique characters. GrandChase is a action, free to play and pve game developed and published by KOG. Released on July 27th 2021 has received 24,061 reviews of which 15,209 were positive and 8,852 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,368 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #7 position in the best free action games on Steam.
6.3
15,209
8,852
4,368
players
8. Crosshair V2
Crosshair V2 is a crosshair overlay technology that improves aim, response time, and hip fire accuracy for gamers. Choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, and neon colors to find the crosshair that gives you the greatest advantage in your favorite game. Crosshair V2 is a utilities, shooter and action game developed and published by CenterPoint Gaming. Released on January 26th 2023 has received 7,848 reviews of which 7,066 were positive and 782 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 4,019 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #8 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.7
7,066
782
4,019
players
9. World of Tanks
Jump into the free-to-play team-based shooter with an ever-expanding roster of historical vehicles, stunning graphics, spectacular locales, and orchestral scores. Show your mastery and face other players in thrilling PvP clashes. A unique mix of strategy and action awaits! World of Tanks is a tanks, free to play and action game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on April 28th 2021 has received 85,341 reviews of which 71,704 were positive and 13,637 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,510 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #9 position in the best free action games on Steam.
8.3
71,704
13,637
3,510
players
10. World of Tanks Blitz
Tanks, not war: jump into a free-to-play MMO action shooter with over 400 tanks. Enjoy stunning graphics and intuitive touch controls. Engage in 7vs7 battles, strategize with your team to conquer diverse maps. Customize tanks, unlock upgrades, and dive into adrenaline-pumping action on mobile and PC World of Tanks Blitz is a tanks, free to play and shooter game developed and published by Wargaming Group Limited. Released on November 09th 2016 has received 147,572 reviews of which 116,050 were positive and 31,522 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 3,347 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #10 position in the best free action games on Steam.
7.8
116,050
31,522
3,347
players